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[ryuwrighthistory]

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[ryuwrighthistory]

[He squeezes him gently in his arms, rubbing his back. Looks like he isn't going anywhere for awhile, and that's just fine.]

[exchangeable]

[ Slowly but surely, Asougi relaxes in his arms, breathing stabilizing somewhat. ]

[ryuwrighthistory]

[He waits patiently for his partner to calm down before saying anything to him.] Take deep breaths. You're safe here. [He's taking a deep breath himself.]

[exchangeable]

[ He focuses on his breathing quietly, fingers curling as he grips at the fabric at Naruhodou's back, remaining silent for the most part. ]

[ryuwrighthistory]

[He stays with him, waiting. He'll reach up to run a hand through his hair at least, that seem to help calm him before.]

. . .Do you, do you want to talk about it? [It worked for him, but this was Asougi. Would he want to talk about it?]

[exchangeable]

No.

[ The answer comes almost immediately, though it's a soft response. ]

[ryuwrighthistory]

ah-...r-right. [He might have flinched a little at that. Even if there was no bite behind his refusal, it still felt like he might have crossed something he shouldn't have.]

[exchangeable]

[ He leans in a bit more, quiet. At least Naruhodou was here. Naruhodou, who was warm and comforting, who countered the cold, who knew who he was. ]

[ryuwrighthistory]

. . .Asougi. [He bites his lower lip. He pulls back, so he could look at Asougi in the face.] No matter what, I'm here for you. [He presses his hand against his cheek.]

[exchangeable]

[ He draws a hand up, resting it lightly over Naruhodou's. ]

. . . So will I.

[ryuwrighthistory]

[He smiles, though there was a hint of worry behind it. Should he just let this pass? It was just a bad dream, wasn't it? And yet, letting Asougi keep it bottled up inside felt like he was doing him a disservice as his partner. He shuts his eyes, bracing for what would come from this.]

Then...then talk to me. If there's anything I can do, I'll do it for you. I want to help you through this!

[exchangeable]

[ The air around them gets colder at that, and he murmurs. ]

Not now . . .

[ryuwrighthistory]

[The tension drops, as he lets out the air he had been holding in. It wasn't an outright no, but how often has he heard that from Asougi at this point? He didn't miss that sudden temperature drop when he pressed him about it again too.]

Fine, not now then. [He's sick, it's better to wait, eventhough his tone carried some wariness, worn out by the same response from Asougi. He gives himself a moment to regain his composure, then lowers his hand to lean into Asougi, his forehead pressed against his.] Mm, it feels like your fever hasn't gotten any better.

[exchangeable]

[ He knows it's tiring and while in some respects, he's gotten better at opening up and sharing with Naruhodou, there are still some things he's not ready to talk about. Those missing months . . . well, those were among the many topics he'd still kept locked away, not up for discussion. He lets out a soft hum when Naruhodou presses his forehead against his. ]

. . . I need at least a day or two of rest. I know that much.

[ryuwrighthistory]

Mm. [He should be resting right now, but after what happened...no, he has to try. He presses his hands against his shoulders, pushing him gently to lay back down, him going along with him.]

[exchangeable]

[ He sighs, not resisting any of that at the very least. ]

I'm fine, Naruhodou. I'll get back to sleep soon enough.

[ryuwrighthistory]

[He puts his index finger over his partner's lips. It's fine. He doesn't need to say any more. He slowly slides his fingers along his skin, down to his chin, then to his neck. He then moves his fingers back up along the same path, ending with his hand pressed against the side of his face, caressing him.]

[exchangeable]

[ He leans in to Naruhodou's touch quietly, glancing over at him through half-lidded eyes. He's not ready to close them and go back to sleep just yet, lest the nightmare be waiting for him again. ]

[ryuwrighthistory]

[He leans forward, kissing his forehead.] I'm right here. [He slides his hands behind his head, running his fingers through his hair, massaging him.]

[exchangeable]

I know. [ He's quiet for a long moment, just leaning in to his touch. This is ridiculous, he should be fine, and yet— here he was, like this. ] . . . Thank you, Naruhodou.

[ryuwrighthistory]

[He smiles faintly at that, moving his head so that he was pressing his forehead against his again.] Anything for you. [Anything to keep you here and happy. He continues to stroke his hair, affectionately touching his skin with his other hand, gently reminding him he was safe.]

[exchangeable]

I'd like to do the same, although . . . I'd imagine you'll settle for me not scaring you like this anymore, hmm?

[ It's a weak attempt at humor, but he's trying. ]

[ryuwrighthistory]

[Well, it managed a weak bit of laughter from Naruhodou.] That be nice, but unrealistic. [They rub foreheads until Naruhodou moves to lay down beside his partner, a hand now reaching for his.] I can't ask you to not get sick or bad dreams. . .it happens. [He just needs to stop worrying so much, it's true.]

[exchangeable]

[ He takes Naruhodou's hand, giving him a small smile. ] That's right. It does happen. And I'll be fine.

[ryuwrighthistory]

...Yea. You'll be fine. [If he keeps saying that, will it come true?] That's not so say you should purposely go and get yourself sick now. [He's teasing of course.]